ARTICLE
from the
Encyclopædia Britannica
inquisition, a judicial procedure and later an institution that was established by the papacy and, sometimes, by secular governments to combat heresy. Derived from the Latin verb inquiro (“inquire into”), the name was applied to commissions in the 13th century and subsequently to similar structures in early modern Europe.
Aspects of the topic inquisition are discussed in the following places at Britannica.
Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
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Inquisition - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
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In the 1200s the Roman Catholic church set up a court called the Inquisition. The Inquisition examined people accused of heresy, or going against church teachings.
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Inquisition - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
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Waves of opposition to the Roman Catholic church swept over Europe in the 13th century. The church established a tribunal called the Inquisition to try persons accused of being heretics, that is, of revolting against religious authority.
The topic inquisition is discussed at the following external Web sites.
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